The Meaning of Life, Spring 2026

This is the course blog for Phil 3375, The Meaning of Life, at Southern Methodist University. Contact: jkazez@smu.edu

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Life questions, syllabus

AGENDA

  1. Introductions
  2. Syllabus
  3. What course is about
  4. Plan for course
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Introductions

  • ideal location for a class on the meaning of life?
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Syllabus

  1. instructor info -- office hours
  2. the meaning of life -- what this course is about
  3. student learning outcomes
  4. distress advisory 
  5. places you'll go
  6. required texts
  7. electronics policy
  8. basis for course grade
    • attendance allowance 
  9. assignment group descriptions 
    • we will discuss reading responses Friday
    • we will discuss presentations next week
  10. grading policies, grading scale
  11. AI policy
    • we will discuss Friday
  12. honor code
  13. SMU policies
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What this class is about .... workbook
  1. What do you expect to cover in a course on the meaning of life?
  2. What's so funny about the topic?
  3. What is the meaning of life?
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Modules 2-4: What is the good life? 
Modules 5-7: What is meaning? Can we have it?